Samford University vs. Tennessee Tech

Comparable Facts

Compare Samford University in Birmingham, AL with Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Tennessee Technological University is larger than Samford University based on total student enrollment (10,511 students vs. 6,097 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Tennessee Technological University is in Cookeville, TN (Remote Town setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee Technological University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Tennessee Technological University 16:1.

Samford University vs. Tennessee Tech Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford University or Tennessee Tech? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Tennessee Technological University than Samford University ($15,336 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Samford University are 1.8% lower than at Tennessee Technological University ($13,056 vs. $13,302).
• Samford University is 252.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee Tech (about $28,774 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $11,376.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 157.8% higher at Samford University than at Tennessee Technological University (about $24,574 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $15,576.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at Tennessee Technological University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 115.4% larger than aid received by Tennessee Technological University students ($22,530 vs. $10,458).

Samford University vs. Tennessee Tech Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Samford University or Tennessee Tech? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Tennessee Tech and Samford University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee Technological University (1180) is 20 points higher than at Samford University (1160).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Tennessee Tech).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Tennessee Technological University 1048/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Tennessee Technological University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Tennessee Tech - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027; Tennessee Tech Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Tennessee Tech (3.63).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than Tennessee Tech (76.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 22.8% at Tennessee Tech.

Samford University vs. Tennessee Tech Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Tennessee Tech? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Samford University's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Tennessee Technological University's (50%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $14,000 more per year than Tennessee Tech graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $43,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tennessee Technological University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Samford University graduates ($16,000 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee Tech graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samford University graduates ($165 vs. $232).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee Tech students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 61%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.